Niagara Falls, NY Hotels

Still, Niagara Falls, New York works best as a counterpoint to the antiseptic, theme restaurant and casino allure of Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. While the U.S. side has none of the neon flash, it has a lot more urban authenticity. A good, non-ironic dive bar scene, under the radar public and state parks and a few solid relics of turn of the last century architecture fill the itinerary beyond the obvious star of the show. Spend a night or two, tops, and shun fantastical visions of storybook romance in order to appreciate and enjoy Niagara Falls for what it is.

Niagara Falls’s Top 10

Niagara Falls History

• Old Fort Niagara – A popular Niagara Falls attraction, this fort has been sitting on the Niagara River since the 18th century.
• Martin House Complex –This historical landmark was built by Frank Lloyd Wright.
• St Mary of the Cataract Church – Containing more than 1,000 relics, this church has been beautifully restored.
• Nikola Tesla Memorial – This popular memorial is dedicated to the life and work of one of the world’s greatest inventors.
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site – Visit the site where one of America’s presidents was sworn into office.

Niagara Falls Art & Culture

• Niagara Art and Culture Center – This popular spot is host to many art shows and cultural events.
• Castellani Art Museum at the Falls – A popular Niagara Falls gallery features falls-related art.
• Daredevil Museum – See some of the memorabilia of past Niagara Falls daredevils, including the barrels people used to go over the falls.
• Das House German Heritage Museum – This museum was built in the late 19th century and tells the story of German immigrants.
• Niagara Gorge Discovery Center – This centre has interactive displays that explain the evolution of Niagara Fall

Niagara Falls Shopping

• Fashion Outlets of Niagara – Boasting over 150 stores, this is a popular shopping spot in the area.
• Honeymoon Capital Souvenirs – Buy friends and family a souvenir at this shop.
• Little Italy – This area of Niagara Falls illustrates the rich history of the area and is a great place to dine.
• Niagara Falls City Market – Visit the fruit and vegetable market three days a week.
• Three Sisters Trading Post – This unique store is located just a short walk from Niagara Falls.

Gay & Lesbian Niagara Falls

• Q – This bar is near Niagara Falls and offers a cosy atmosphere and friendly staff.
• Roxy’s – One of the most popular lesbian bars in the area, it is famous for its karaoke.
• Marcella Show Club and Lounge – Located just a few miles from Niagara Falls, this is the largest gay bar in the area.
• Cathode Ray – This bar caters to the gay and lesbian community of Niagara Falls.
• Underground – Providing the best of relaxation and dancing.

Niagara Falls Events

The Maid of the Mist boat tour has been in operation, in one form or another, since 1846.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer a more daredevilish way to enjoy the power of the falls.

Whirlpool Golf Course tees it up from April to October.

Niagara Falls Blues Festival features an impressive bill of talent every September.

Niagara Wine Festival takes place on the other side of the falls in the Niagara Peninsula viticulture area in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Winter Festival of Lights illuminates the falls on the Ontario side of the border in November and December.

When To Go

Niagara Falls has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. One of them, summer, predictably draws the vast majority of annual visitors.

Temperatures in June, July and August - the bread and butter tourist season - range from 56°F (13°C) to 79°F (26°C). On the other end of the spectrum, conditions in winter waver between 16°F (-9°C) to 32°F (0°C).

Niagara Falls receives 2 in (51 mm) of rain a month, minimum, with significant snowfall throughout the winter season.

Getting Around

The most popular way to arrive in Niagara Falls, New York is by car. Many come via the likes Toronto (1 hour, 45 minutes), Buffalo (25 minutes), Rochester (1 hour, 30 minutes), Cleveland (3 hours, 40 minutes) and New York City (7 hours).

The Niagara Falls Amtrak station is at 27th Street and Lockport Road. A number of operators provide coach bus service to the city as well.

Within the city proper, a car is the only viable way to get around. One can, however, cover a lot of ground on foot.

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